Pine Ridge Chenin Blanc 2010 $14.99

Just in, 2010 Pine Ridge Chenin Blanc. Great summer white for spicy dishes, the pool or picnics. Tired of the same old boring Chardonnay or Pinot Grigio? Step outside the box. New vintage not rated yet, but we still have a little '09 left with great press every year. 2009 Pine Ridge Chenin Blanc / Viognier (Clarksburg, California) Robert Parker - 90 points “Consistently a killer wine value is Pine Ridge’s 45,000-case blend of 80% Chenin Blanc and 20% Viognier. The 2009 Chenin Blanc/Viognier offers up soaring floral notes intermixed with white peaches and apricots. This delectable, fresh, crisp, light-bodied, dry white should be drunk over the next year.” The fruity floral signature of Chenin Blanc and the fragrant bouquet of Viognier make up this unique bottling. Pine Ridge was the first California winery to develop this original blend. The Chenin Blanc and the Viognier are planted by Wilson Vineyards in the moderate river delta region of Clarksburg, south of Sacramento.

New Albanian Brewing Co. Elector - $7.99 a bottle

This month’s beer is from New Albany, IN. New Albanian Brewing Co. Elector is an imperial red ale. This is a brewery to watch. They bottle by hand now, but soon they will have a bottling line. This outstanding beer is deep amber in color. One finger white head shows good retention. Serious Brussels lace (the foam that sticks to the inside of the glass as it's consumed; only the best beers in the world have it). The nose has a big malty aroma with hints of caramel, toffee and piney hops. This is not your typical amber - it's on steroids. Nice dry, bitter finish to balance the malty sweetness. Medium bodied with good carbonation for the style. Hint of alcohol but hides the higher ABV well. I can't wait to try their Baltic porter, which we also have.